Choosing a reputable dealer; getting your car weighed and registered; and importing vehicles.
If you are looking to buy a new Toyota vehicle, the official dealer in Barbados is Nassco. For new or used Suzuki or Chevrolet vehicles, the official dealer is Inchcape Barbados (formely Simpson Motors). For new or used Ford or Kia vehicles, the official dealer is Ansa Motors.
Nassco offers financing to Barbadians, and most foreign nationals who are resident in Barbados, including immigrants, CARICOM nationals, and persons on the Welcome Stamp visa. Financing is also offered by Inchcape Barbados (formely Simpson Motors), but only to Barbadians and permanent residents.
When you buy a vehicle, whether new or used, you first need to get the vehicle insured and then weighed at the Barbados Licensing Authority's weighing bridge at The Pine, St. Michael. Your vehicle's fuel and water tanks must be full. After the vehicle is weighed, it must be registered with the Barbados Revenue Authority.
The following fees apply:
| Weighing fee | Registration fee |
|---|---|
| $25 | $400 |
You must pay the weighing fee to the Barbados Revenue Authority (also located on the same compound at The Pine) before you can get your vehicle weighed by the Barbados Licensing Authority. After you've paid the weighing fee, take your vehicle to the middle bay right next to the weighing bridge, as the vehicle and engine number must be checked by an officer before the vehicle can be weighed.
After your vehicle is weighed, you will be given a weight certificate and can register your vehicle with the Barbados Revenue Authority. You must provide proof of sale or evidence of ownership, and proof of insurance. The registration fee is payable at the point of registration; cash and card payments are accepted.
Many car dealers in Barbados will handle the vehicle registration process for you. It may be a complimentary service or something they offer for an extra fee. There can be long wait times to get vehicles weighed and registered, so we strongly advise letting your dealer handle it for you if they offer to do so.
If you are thinking of importing a car, please note that vehicles are subject to very high import duties and levies. Furthermore, only vehicles less than four years in age with an odometre reading not exceeding 50,000 km can be imported. [1]
You must have a valid domestic or foreign driving licence to drive on a public road in Barbados. If you are familiar with Visitor Driving Permits, please note they have been abolished effective October 15th, 2025 and are no longer required to drive in Barbados on a foreign licence.
[1] Import duties, excise taxes and vehicle age/odometre limits do not apply to official diplomats importing their car. They also do not apply to Barbadian citizens returning to Barbados under the Barbados Network Programme and importing their car under the terms of that Programme if they have owned the vehicle for at least four years prior to importation.
Visitor Driving Permits have been abolished effective October 15th, 2025 and are no longer required to drive in Barbados on a foreign licence.
CARICOM nationals from Belize, the Commonwealth of Dominica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines exercising the freedom of movement are permitted to drive in Barbados using their foreign licence for up to 12 months from the date of their arrival, before they must exchange it for a local licence.
Vehicles that are 10 years of age or older must pass a roadworthy inspection to be bought, sold or insured. Inspections must be performed by an authorised garage, or the Vehicle Inspection Division of the Barbados Licensing Authority.
We do not recommend any specific insurance provider, but a few companies to consider include Trident Insurance and Guardian General.
If you are renting or leasing a car, your hire company is responsible for arranging car insurance on your behalf.
It is likely that your vehicle was originally registered in the name of the company which offered you financing. In these circumstances, you are required to get your vehicle weighed and registered again, since it constitutes a change of ownership now that the company has relinquished its lien over your vehicle.
You will need to visit the Barbados Licensing Authority's weighing bridge at The Pine, St. Michael. Your vehicle's tank must be full, and proof of sale and insurance must be furnished. It costs $25 to get a vehicle weighed.
After your vehicle is weighed, you will be given a weight certificate and can proceed to vehicle registration with the Barbados Revenue Authority. It costs $400 to get a vehicle registered.
Note: You must visit the Barbados Revenue Authority (also located on the same compound at The Pine) to pay the weighing fee before you can get your vehicle weighed on the bridge.